From the beautiful coastlines to mountainous landscapes, the Overberg has over and over again been the perfect destination retreat for locals and tourists. 

The Overberg is still and will always be my favourite region to explore. Stretching from Sir Lowry’s Pass in the west to Tradouw Pass in the east and from Villiersdorp in the north to L’Agulhas in the south, the Overberg is known for its small towns with rugged mountain ranges, fynbos, rolling wheat and canola fields, and splendid coastal vistas.

After spending so many trips in the Overberg, I’m constantly drawn to explore more of the surrounding towns.

If you’re planning on going to the Overberg or just need some trip inspiration, here are 8 experiences that you can’t miss!

1. Have a Moerse Lekker Vetkoek in Napier

Food is the number one item to try when you’re traveling and, trying out a breakfast vetkoek at Moerse Farm Stall is a must. Vetkoek is a traditional Afrikaner fried dough bread usually filled with cooked mince. However, this one is served with egg, tomato, and cheese.

They also have other uniquely Farm stall items like their infamous strawberry jam that Mannie, the owner’s wife makes and other quirky vintage decor items for purchase.

Read Next: Through the town of Napier. 

2. Visit the second oldest lighthouse in South Africa

Still, in working condition, the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse has been standing for the last 150 years and is an icon for many tourists.

Beautifully preserved, the lighthouse painted in red and white has a fully functioning museum; taking you down memory lane and you can climb to the very top to view the town from above.

Read next: 7 Reasons to visit the Southernmost tip of Africa.

3. Relax at the beach in Struisbaai

Struisbaai is known for its warm water and white sands that stretch from Struisbaai to Arniston where many tourist flocks too.

With Struisbaai’s quirky little harbour serving both for fishing and ski boats during the holiday season, this town is definitely worth the visit.

4. Learn some history at Drostdy Museum in Swellendam

Museums play a vital role in small towns because it gives you a picture of how the town formed all those years ago.

Take a walk down memory lane on how settlers arrived in Swellendam. The museum offers the most comprehensive collection of artifacts from the time when the Landros ruled from this town in three separate buildings.

Read next: The Weekend in Swellendam

5. Ronnie’s Sex Shop is an unexpected surprise in Barrydale

The name might make you think it’s a different kind of shop but it’s an unexpected surprise. Situated on the scenic drive of Route 62, but don’t be fooled by the name, it’s nothing about sex.

However, it does have an impressive collection of bras and undies hanging over the bar that has been signed and donated by many of Ronnie’s female visitors over the years. It’s actually an iconic pub that sees visitors all around the world flocking to see what this shop is all about.

Read next: Things to do in Barrydale

6. Understand the missionary church in Genadendal

Spend an hour or two by understanding the work of the missionary churches has done over the years.

The mission station was then abandoned for almost 50 years when three missionaries finally resumed Schmidt’s work, where Genadendal grew into one of the largest settlements in the Cape Colony. There’s even a museum to look forward too.

The museum has three layers that house 25 exhibition rooms filled with unique collections ranging from household equipment, musical instruments, medical equipment, tools, books, printing and a family tree of where I and many other families come from.

Read next: Postcard from Genadendal

7. Make a pit stop at the Shipwreck Museum in Bredasdorp

Learn the history of the 150 ships that met their doom along with the rocky outlets on the coast of Cape Agulhas; offering an extensive collection of artifacts and furniture from shipwrecks.

The three buildings with various items tell a compiling story that will make you drive and visit each and every shipwreck along the coast.

Read next: Picturesque Platteland town of Bredasdorp

8. Take a scenic drive on Tradouw Pass

If you looking to take a beautiful scenic drive then take the 14 kilometres long Tradouw Pass between Barrydale and Swellendam. Wending its way through seriously mountainous terrain, the jagged sandstone precipices looming really close to your car window.

Enjoy a holiday in the Overberg with a beautiful expanse of mountain and diverse landscapes. Take a journey you won’t forget.

Until the next adventure.

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